Oregon Marathons

Newport

Newport Marathon - June. Course runs at sea level for 3.4 miles through residential streets then 22.8 miles along the Yaquina Bay estuary. Modified out and back configuration. Flat, fast, and scenic. 47% of finishers record a personal record. USATF Certified. Sponsored aid stations with enthusiastic, cheering volunteers, excellent organization and attention to detail for every participant. Big city race in a small town environment. One of the five "Best Kept Marathon Secrets" (Runner's World, February 2000). Limited to the first 650 to register.

Portland

Portland Marathon - September. The "Portland Marathon" is the standard marathon distance: 26 miles, 385 yards. The course is Tac sanctioned and certified for the Boston Marathon. The course and all records will be listed with USA Track & Field Cert. #OR-93005-LB. The course has also been sanctioned, measured and certified by the Association of International Marathons (AIMS). The Portland Marathon is one of only nine U.S. marathons that have been made a part of the AIMS circuit. The marathon and marathon walk begin and end at charming Chapman/Lownsdale/Schrunk Parks, which are in downtown Portland bordered by SW Salmon, SW Jefferson, SW Third and SW Fourth (the starting line is at the corner of SW Madison and Fourth). The course traces a route that embraces the many faces of this beautiful and friendly city. It includes the scenic riverfront, historic Old Town and various residential neighborhoods. Runners are treated to broad panoramas of the entire city the waterfront, a 3-mile bluff on the east side of Portland, and a dramatic view and crossing of the St. John's Bridge, one of the most beautiful suspension bridges in the world. The first five miles of the course are downtown. The start is a gradual l-mile downhill with the next 2 miles over a gradual elevation gain Of 140 feet followed by an immediate 2 mile easy downhill returning to the waterfront. The next section of the course from the 5 mile mark is flat and flows through the northwest section of town. The course makes another gradual downhill and heads along the flat border road of the Forest Park area through mile 17. The principal elevation gain of approximately 150 feet occurs over the next mile as runners go up to and over the beautiful St. John's Bridge. Thereafter it is a spectacular run along Portland's east bluff that faces the Willamette River from approximately mile 18 through mile 24. There is an elevation loss of approximately 140 feet from mile 22 to 24 with a slight rise as runners go over Portland's Steel Bridge. Then it is back down to Marathon Avenue and onto Front along the waterfront to the finish.